Utah State University

Experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer

Utah State University$165K — $225K *
Aerospace & Defense
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 18+ years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 16+ years with a master's degree, or 12+ years with a PhD
  • Active DoW Top Secret Security Clearance and SAP eligibility
  • Expert in systems engineering with knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines
  • Proven leadership in high-risk engineering projects
  • Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills for technical challenges
  • Excellent communication skills in complex environments
  • Mastery of systems engineering processes and agile integration
  • Experience with satellite and ground systems

Responsibilities

  • Provide systems engineering expertise and guidance to stakeholders
  • Manage cross-functional coordination across engineering teams
  • Oversee systems engineering activities including design and verification
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Evaluate vendor capabilities for system compliance
  • Support proposal and business development through technical leadership
  • Liaise daily with Government Customers

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical projects
  • Dynamic, fast-paced work environment
  • Engage with interdisciplinary teams
  • Direct interaction with government stakeholders
  • Leadership role in complex technical settings
Full Job Description
Job ID: 7984
Date Posted: May 19, 2026


Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer to develop, integrate, and test satellite ground system solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining ground system architectures, coordinating interdisciplinary engineering efforts, managing requirements, risks, interfaces, and configurations, and ensuring cohesive technical execution across multiple teams. This senior position is ideal for candidates with deep systems engineering expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams, resolve cross-cutting technical challenges, and drive successful program outcomes in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provides systems engineering expertise and technical guidance to management, program managers, and customers regarding project feasibility, technical approaches, requirements, risks, and system impacts
  • Manages cross-functional engineering coordination across software, hardware, and support teams to ensure technical alignment, schedule execution, and compliance with program requirements
  • Manages system engineering activities including requirements development, system design and analysis, hardware and software integration, maintenance of technical baselines and program documentation, and verification and test
  • Proactively identifies technical and programmatic risks and develops robust mitigation and contingency strategies
  • Evaluates vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products and services satisfy system-level requirements
  • Supports proposal and business development activities through technical leadership, customer engagement, and coordination of engineering inputs.
  • Works directly with the Government Customer daily
Required Qualifications:
  • 18+ years of applicable experience with a bachelor's degree, or 16+ years with a master's degree, or 12+ years with a PhD
  • U.S. citizen and have an active DoW Top Secret Security Clearance and be SAP eligible
  • Recognized systems engineering expert with broad knowledge across mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, software, controls, and other engineering disciplines
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and provide technical oversight for complex, high-risk engineering programs
  • Demonstrated ability to apply strong analytical and systems-thinking skills to solve technical, cost, and schedule challenges
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively under pressure and maintain customer confidence in complex technical and programmatic environments
  • Mastery of systems engineering processes including requirements development, verification, risk management, interface control, configuration management, trade studies, and integration of agile development practices
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to advise program managers, influence interdisciplinary teams, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain technical baselines, produce high-quality engineering documentation, and provide accurate cost and schedule inputs
  • Experience with satellite and ground systems
  • Ability to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with national security Air Force, and Space Force, space and ground systems
  • Experience with Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)
  • Experience with mission planning for government programs
  • Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and standards
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices related to satellite operations
  • Experience with satellite ground station equipment and connectivity, including antennas and RF systems
  • Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and their integration with ground systems

*Salary Range:
  • $165,000 - $225,000
    • Salary commensurate based on education and experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [redacted].

About Utah State University

Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah State University System. USU offers programs in agriculture, engineering, business, economics, natural resources, and other fields. The university has about 17,000 students and 1,500 faculty members. USU is known for its research in agriculture, ecology, and engineering. The university has a large campus with many research facilities and a strong athletic program.
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